The 2 Best Places for an Affordable & Safe Gorilla Trek in Africa

Of all the wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking in Africa is probably the most unique and special. There are only a few places in Africa where mountain gorilla trekking is allowed and even fewer that are safe and affordable.

At African Budget Safaris, we support responsible tourism, so we only offer gorilla safaris to the safest countries in Africa. We’ve found the best places for safe and affordable gorilla trekking in Africa so that you can have unforgettable face-to-face encounters with these gentle giants in the wild. 

Safe, Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in southwest Uganda, is home to half the world’s population of gorillas. African mountain gorillas live in the dense rainforest and there are four gorilla groups that people are allowed to visit. Due to its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda by Max Christian

Only accessible by road, it is best to explore the national park with an organized group and registered guide. African Budget Safaris has put together a few different Uganda gorilla trekking safari packages to suit your budget and time frame, all with a limit of six travellers per group. 

Starting from just $1,626, our 3-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a safe and affordable way to get up close and personal with these incredible apes. For those with a bit more time and budget, our 8-day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari includes mountain gorilla trekking in addition to a full itinerary of game drives and boat trips to explore the region. 

Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa by Francesco Ungaro

Safe, Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is another safe destination for budget gorilla trekking in Africa. There are around 1,000 mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This conservation area is also a World Heritage Site and a top destination for safe gorilla trekking. The authorities have specialized rangers and security personnel to keep tourists safe during their Rwanda gorilla trekking. For just $3,168, you can go on a 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, and on this gorilla trekking Africa adventure, you’ll be accompanied by expert trackers. 

Safe gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda by Hjalmar Gislason

Safety while gorilla trekking in Rwanda & Uganda

As an endangered species, mountain gorillas are well-protected and there are a limited number of visitors allowed to visit each day. The guides only take travellers to visit habituated groups of gorillas, meaning these gorillas are used to human contact. A mountain gorilla trekking permit allows you to spend an hour with a habituated group of gorillas, with no more than eight people visiting a group each day. 

African mountain gorilla trekking by The World Hopper

Strict rules are designed to keep both the people and the mountain gorillas safe. Visitors need to be reasonably fit because the weather and terrain in both Uganda and Rwanda can be a bit tricky, with the trek to the gorillas lasting between two and six hours. 

Affordable, small-group Bwindi gorilla trekking experience

If an hour with the endangered gorillas doesn’t sound like enough to you, then consider joining the Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience. This three-day gorilla safari includes an exceptional experience where you can spend up to four hours with the mountain gorillas. Trekking with four guests (instead of the usual eight) and accompanied by a ranger and researcher, you’ll get to spend more time with a group of gorillas undergoing the habituation process in the Rushanga Area. 

Uganda gorilla trekking safari by sasougandasafaris

During a two-year period, these gorilla groups are slowly introduced to humans for care and research purposes. For just $2,633, you take part in this rare conservation experience. 

Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda AND Uganda on a budget

Mountain gorillas are incredibly peaceful and gentle creatures. The best places for safe, budget gorilla trekking are the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. If you want to visit both places, then our 10-day Wildlife & Gorilla Safari offers excellent value for money and includes gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. 

Gorilla trekking Africa by Hjalmar Gislason

Ready to book your gorilla safari in Africa? 

Take a look at our Budget Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Rwanda and Uganda. Or, get in touch with the travel experts at African Budget Safaris for a safe and affordable gorilla trekking adventure.